Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs CF Montreal

By Ryan Donahue

*Charlotte FC's starting XI versus Nashville SC (Photo courtesy of Alexis Fowler/Topbin90)*

Coming off last week's late win over Nashville SC, where Charlotte FC fought back from a 1-0 deficit, goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati helped Charlotte to secure victory and maintain the side's impressive form at home. Charlotte is now on the road this week as the side travels to Montreal for this Saturday's fixture.

Montreal currently sits last in the East, however, the match will be the club’s first home fixture this season, which could raise the odds in favor of Montreal. Charlotte, who continues to struggle on the road so far this season, needs to take the next step to maintain a top spot in the East and prove they can start getting results on the road.

Ahead of this weekend, here is how Charlotte likely lines up:

Defensive unit

Given the decision to stick with Tim Ream last weekend in the center back role, Smith will likely remain unchanged in his roster with Ream expected to start again this weekend alongside Adilson Malanda. Nathan Byrne is guaranteed to start right back, and Souleyman Doumbia has looked dependable at left back. Charlotte’s Andrew Privett is expected to drop down to the bench but could bring fresh legs for Doumbia in the second half. Kristijan Kahlina will start in goal as always.

Midfield line

Charlotte’s midfield adjustment last week reintroduced Djibril Diani to the starting eleven; however, the plan by Smith was altered at halftime after Charlotte struggled to keep pace with Nashville. This weekend, Smith will likely default back to his trio of Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico with Pep Biel slotted ahead of them as the attacking midfielder.

While Diani was subbed last week, Smith wanted to use the player to make his side better defensively, so if Smith chooses to stick with this plan, Diani may end up getting more minutes. Eryk Williamson has also been a regular off the bench and is likely to rotate with Bronico in the second half.

Forward line

Smith confirmed in his pre-match press conference yesterday that Wilfried Zaha would be out due to surgery on his thumb. Without Charlotte’s star winger, the front three will likely lineup with Patrick Agyemang or Idan Toklomati leading the line. After Toklomati’s late winner last week he is getting closer and closer to nabbing some starts. The wing positions become wide open with Zaha out, and Liel Abada being left out of the starting eleven last week.

The most likely wing options are Abada and Kerwin Vargas, but if Smith is still struggling to trust Abada, Toklomati could rotate into a wing role on the right with Vargas on the left and Agyemang up top.